What is Napoli style coffee?
Discover more about this rich blend.
Find out more about the origin of the Napoli blend.
Compare our Napoli style coffee to other blends.
Find your next coffee stop in Naples.
Discover our Napoli blend here.
We answer some common queries.
What is Napoli style coffee?
Napoli, or Neapolitan, coffee embodies the rich traditions, bold flavours, and deeply ingrained cultural significance of the southern Italian city of Naples. Known for its intensity and depth, Napoli style coffee reflects the passion of its people and the vibrant atmosphere of its streets.
Neapolitan coffee is characterised by its strong, rich flavour, achieved through dark roasting techniques that are typical of Southern Italian coffee culture. Unlike lighter, sweeter roasts favoured in Northern Italy, Neapolitan coffee often includes a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, with Robusta lending the coffee its signature thick crema and slightly bitter undertones.
A traditional method of preparing Napoli coffee is with the cuccumella, or Neapolitan flip pot. This unique brewing device, created in the 19th century, requires flipping the pot to allow hot water to seep through finely ground coffee. The resulting brew is intensely rich, with a velvety texture. At home, many Neapolitans sweeten their coffee directly in the pot, a tradition carried over to the cafés, where coffee con zucchero (with sugar) is widely preferred.
Naples is renowned for producing some of the darkest roasted coffee in Italy. The darker roast not only enhances the coffee’s intense flavour profile but also reduces acidity, resulting in a smooth, bold cup. Carluccio’s Napoli coffee offers a carefully curated blend of Arabica and Robusta beans that encapsulate the authentic taste of Naples.
Carluccio’s espresso di Napoli
Our Napoli espresso coffee has been blended and roasted in the traditional style of the master roasters of Naples, which is the darkest roast in Italy, using Arabica beans with a little kick of Robusta. This blend is rich, lively and well-rounded, presenting dark cocoa, smoky flavours and blackberry notes.
Our Napoli espresso beans can also be ground finely for use in an espresso machine. When ground coarse for use in a cafetiere, it can present flavours of cinnamon and cherry.
The history of coffee in Naples
Naples has a long-standing relationship with coffee, dating back to the early 18th century when the first coffee houses began appearing in the city. Over time, coffee became an important part of Neapolitan life, both as a daily ritual and a cultural symbol. The desire to create an authentic experience inspired the residents of Naples to create numerous rules and traditions that accompanied drinking coffee (source). Coffee evolved into a symbol of hospitality and generosity. One of the most famous expressions of this is the caffè sospeso tradition, where customers pay for an extra coffee to be enjoyed later by someone in need. This act of kindness embodies the Neapolitan spirit of community and care.
Historic coffee bars like Caffè Gambrinus, which was founded in 1860, have played a pivotal role in shaping and preserving this rich coffee culture. Located near the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, Caffè Gambrinus is celebrated for its timeless appeal, drawing locals and visitors alike. Coffee bars became an important part of daily life in Italy. Following the rise of espresso bars across Italy, this culture spread globally, influencing coffee consumption patterns worldwide.
You can find out more about traditional Italian coffee bars in our previous guide here.
The cuccumella, invented in the 19th century, remains a symbol of Neapolitan coffee-making. Its brewing process reflects the city’s reverence for tradition. Even today, many families in Naples still use the cuccumella to craft their morning brew, ensuring that the art of coffee-making continues to be passed down through generations.
How does Napoli style coffee compare to other regional coffees?
Napoli style coffee, with its intense flavour and dark roast, contrasts sharply with the milder, more aromatic coffees of Northern Italy. In Northern cities like Milan, coffee tends to be lighter in roast, often revealing fruity and floral notes. In central Italy, however, Roman coffee balances the intensity of Southern styles with a slightly lighter roast, providing a more rounded coffee. Carluccio’s Milano and Roma blends reflect these regional differences, offering distinct flavour experiences tailored to the preferences of each region.
Popular Naples coffee shops and cafes
Naples is home to many iconic coffee shops and bars, each offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant coffee culture:
Caffè Gambrinus
As one of Naples’ oldest and most prestigious coffee houses, Caffè Gambrinus is a must-visit. Its vivid décor sets the stage for enjoying an authentic Neapolitan espresso or a pastry.
Bar Nilo
Famous for its décor and shrine to football legend Diego Maradona, Bar Nilo offers a quirky yet deeply authentic coffee experience. Its espresso is as rich as its history, and it’s a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike.
Gran Caffè La Caffettiera
Located in the elegant Chiaia district, Gran Caffè La Caffettiera combines modern luxury with traditional Neapolitan coffee-making. Its expertly crafted espresso drinks are complemented by stunning views of Naples’ bustling streets.
Bring the taste of Italy to your home with the Carluccio’s Napoli Blend
Carluccio’s Napoli Coffee Beans bring the essence of Naples to your home. Roasted in Italy using traditional methods, this blend of Arabica and Robusta beans captures the intense, bold flavours that define Neapolitan coffee. The darker roast creates a robust cup with a velvety crema, perfect for espresso or moka pot brewing.
Depending on your preferred grind, Carluccio’s Napoli blend can be tailored to different brewing methods. For espresso machines, the beans deliver a thick crema and a strong, full-bodied shot. For the moka pot, the result is a smooth, intensely aromatic brew. Carluccio’s dedication to authenticity ensures a taste experience that honours Neapolitan coffee traditions.
Frequently asked questions
What coffee is Naples famous for?
Naples is famous for its bold, dark-roasted espresso, defined by a velvety, rich crema. It is often served with sugar.
What is the Neapolitan coffee tradition?
Neapolitan coffee traditions include the caffè sospeso practice (which trabslates to “suspended coffee”), and the use of the cuccumella.
What does Napoli coffee taste like?
Napoli coffee is rich, intense, and full-bodied, with low acidity and a velvety texture.
What are the most popular coffee drinks in Naples?
Espresso, macchiato, and cappuccino are popular, with espresso reigning supreme.
How much does a coffee cost in Naples?
A coffee typically costs between €1 and €1.20, reflecting Naples’ accessible coffee culture.
Where should you buy coffee beans in Naples?
Historic shops and roasters in Naples, as well as Carluccio’s Napoli Coffee Beans, offer authentic options.
Are there historic coffee shops worth visiting in Naples?
Yes, iconic establishments like Caffè Gambrinus are essential stops for coffee enthusiasts.
How do Neapolitans typically enjoy their coffee?
Neapolitans prefer their coffee strong, with sugar, and often consumed quickly at the counter.
How has Naples influenced the global coffee scene?
Naples’ dedication to bold flavours and community-oriented traditions has inspired coffee lovers worldwide. Read our full guide to Italian coffee culture here.
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